Singapore 2012

Welcome

Program

Papers & Posters

Singapore information

Pre- & Post-conference tours

Welcome

Theme: Many Voices, One Calling

Wildlife Reserves Singapore is proud to host in conjunction with the ICZ the 4th International Congress on Zoo Keeping, from September 9th to 13th, 2012. This conference themed ´Many Voices, One Calling´ hopes to bring together keepers and zoo professionals from around the World for the objectives of enhancing the professionalism of Zoo Keepers and the welfare of the wild animals in their care.

Delegates from every country have much to contribute. We encourage keepers to share their knowledge and experiences in the field of Zoo Keeping with their fellow keepers at this momentous event. We heard Many Voices committing to our One Calling!

Note: Trade exhibition will be occurring during day sessions Monday - Thursday at Jurong Bird Park. Posters will be on display for the duration with presenters by their posters for questions during selected tea breaks.

Steve Martin was one of the Keynote speakers at the congress.
Steve Martin began his career producing free-flight bird shows over 35 years ago and then began teaching the art and science of behavior change to zoo keepers a few years later. He is now an instructor at the AZA Animal Training School, the Elephant Management School in Hamburg, Germany and has served as an animal behavior and visitor experience consultant for over 85 zoological facilities around the world.

Papers & Posters

The response to the call for papers was excellent.

During the conference papers representing 16 countries will be presented and posters representing 17 countries will be shown.

Abstracts of the papers and a list of the posters can be seen below (in no particular order).

Abstracts of the papers and a list of the posters can be seen below (in no particular order).

Singapore information

Singapore General Information

Singapore is a generally safe cosmopolitan destination. It is a melting pot of cultures with areas such as Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street displaying the cultural backgrounds which exist in Singapore. It has a number of exciting attractions including Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.

Important Things to Note

Visas

Apart from visitors from China and India, most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require visas for entry and may be given up to a 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regards to coming into Singapore.

If you would like to stay in Singapore for a longer period, you may apply at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. However, you should have your valid passports, onward or return tickets, onward facilities (such as visas or entry permits) to your next destination and of course, sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore. Passports must have at least 6 months validity.

Should you lose your passport while in Singapore, please make a police report immediately, then head to the ICA (right across from Lavender MRT Station at 10 Kallang Road) to get a temporary visa. Finally, inform your respective embassy so that you can get through immigration when you reach home.

Women in an advanced state of pregnancy (six months or more) who intend to visit Singapore should make a prior application with the nearest Singapore overseas mission.

Money

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere (even in the most obscure bits) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Weather

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period. Bring a poncho or similar light rain coat.

Cell Phone Usage

Singapore´s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don´t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.

(No) Smoking

Besides air-conditioned areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment outlets and cinemas, smoking is also an offence on the SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system), public buses, taxis and in lifts. Recently, the smoking ban has also been imposed on public eateries and within a 5 meter radius from most building entrances, except for allocated smoking areas that are clearly marked with bright yellow boxes. A maximum fine of SGD 1,000 may be imposed on first-time offenders.

Drugs

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind: possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty.

Health

Singapore has good health care however it is strongly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

Airport Transfer

To and from Singapore Airport
When you make your hotel or tour package bookings, remember to enquire about airport transfers. Most tour packages are inclusive of transfers to and from Singapore´s Changi Airport. If these details are not in your itinerary, you may want to call your hotel and arrange for transport. Otherwise, the taxi stands at the airport are abundant and well-manned by operators who will be familiar with your transportation needs.

Several companies provide airport transfer services, which you can book even before you travel to Singapore, a half or full day in advance. Among them are Limo Taxi and Limousine Cab, best booked for groups of four and above. Surcharges apply for rides to and from the airport, starting at SGD 45.

To Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park
During the conference, a shuttle service will be available to and from certain delegated hotels in the morning and afternoon and after events.

GST Refund Scheme

Enjoy tax-free shopping in Singapore at locations with the ´Tax Refund´ logo. As a visitor, the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) that you paid on your purchases can be claimed when you leave Singapore. Simply spend SGD 100.00 or more at participating retailers to qualify for refunds.

Refunds may be claimed either directly from retailers or at Changi and Seletar Airport. Please note that this scheme is not applicable if you leave by land or by sea. Ask for GST Refund Forms from the retailers, as they are not available at the airport. GST Refund Forms must be completed with the dealer´s signature and stamps, and then validated by Customs at Singapore Changi Airport before your departure.

The refund amount is valid after an administration fee is deducted from the GST. Always check with retailers to find out if you can claim the tax before confirming your purchase. There are two GST refund schemes, and you are advised to check on the minimum purchase amount to qualify for the GST refund as it varies between retailers.

Consumer Advisory

Most Singapore retailers have fair business practices, but there are a small number of shops and restaurants that might make your shopping experience less than ideal. Here are some smart shopping tips to ensure that your retail experience is a pleasant one.

Always do price comparisons to get the best deals

Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to abide by each product´s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask the retailer also if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies. Also note that purchases above SGD100 in a single receipt entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air. Please read the section on the GST Refund Scheme for more information.

Note that purchases made are usually final

In Singapore, retailers generally enforce strict return, and exchange or refund policies the moment payment is made. Always ask your retailer about their policies before making payment for your purchase.

Check receipts or invoices for accuracy

Do remember to ask for a receipt of invoice whenever you make a purchase, and keep it for reference. Also check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required. Remember to check that gifts, when applicable, should be indicated as such.

Verify what your ´international warranty´ covers

International warranties are not standardised, and you should always ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure that both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer´s stamp and signature. In the case of electronic goods, note down the product´s serial number as well.
Also note that there are no international warranties on the purchase of mobile phones.
A ´worldwide local warranty´ means that the warranty is available only in the country of purchase - ´worldwide´ here refers to the availability of the product, not the warranty.
Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers usually do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.

Check before leaving the store

Before making payment, make sure that you test the item you wish to purchase, and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are included in the package, and work as they should.

For additional assistance or complaints, call Tourist line between 8am to 7pm daily at 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore), or (65) 6736 2000 (from overseas).

Useful Links

The following links and numbers may be useful should you need guidance around the island or emergency help:

Pre- & Post-conference tours

The ICZ has been working with a number of partners to find some great options for keepers to travel before and or after the conference to locations of conservation interest within the region with like-minded people.

Registration & ICZ liability

Note that each tour operator will invoice you once you have indicated your preferences in the registration process (some prices may vary slightly due to currency variations).
Many of these tours rely on minimum numbers and may not run if these are not obtained.

ICZ is not liable with regards to any issues with these tours and offer them in good faith based on knowledge of tour operators.